LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS WELCOME LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR APRIL 18, 2012

Rotary Windsor- St. Clair, in partnership with other Rotary clubs across the Windsor-Essex region, will welcome Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, to Windsor on Wednesday, April 18.

This celebration, which will be hosted at the Giovanni Caboto Club, includes a kick off for the Rotary at Work initiative.  Hon. Onley will deliver the event’s keynote address.

 "It is expected that by 2020, over 20% of the population in North America will have a disability,” explains Terry Cloutier, Manager of Employment Services at Community Living Windsor and a member of Rotary Windsor-St. Clair.  “Combine that with the Conference Board of Canada’s prediction that by that same year, there will be a one-million worker shortfall, and it is clear there is a looming employment crisis.”

The Rotary at Work initiative offers a solution, and encourages businesses and organizations to hire people with a disability.  The program is gaining a lot of traction in the Toronto area.  Business Leader Mark Wafer, who owns several Toronto Tim Hortons franchises, has hired people who have a disability.  This business move has been met with tremendous success.   Turnover in his business has decreased to 35% compared to the corporate average of 82%, productivity has increased as has greater staff loyalty and dedication; all contributing to cost savings and increased profits.  Wafer will also share his experiences at the event.  

 “The Rotary at Work initiative aims at building awareness and support about the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities,” says Rotary Windsor-St. Clair President Paul Charbonneau.  “We’re very proud to be involved with this program, and recognize that it makes good business sense.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 18^th from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Giovanni Caboto Club.  Tickets for the dinner are just $22 but must be purchased in advance by contacting Terry at terry@clwindsor.org or by phone at 519 974-4221 ext 235.  

Rotary is the world’s largest service organization with 1.2 million members.  Rotary Windsor St. Clair is comprised of about 40 members from around the Essex Region dedicated to improving our local and worldwide communities by undertaking projects to address hunger, health, literacy, promote physical activity, and provide support to the financially disadvantaged in our community. 

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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